9 best generic marine antennas

Generic marine antennas are essential components of marine communication and navigation systems.They are designed specifically for use in maritime environments and are crucial for ensuring reliable communication, safety, and navigation while at sea. Here are some key points about generic marine antennas:

  1. Purpose: Marine antennas are used for various purposes, including radio communication, GPS navigation, weather monitoring, and radar systems. They enable vessels to stay connected with shore stations, other ships, and satellites.

  2. Types: There are different types of marine antennas tailored for specific functions. Common types include VHF antennas for communication, GPS antennas for navigation, AM/FM antennas for entertainment, and radar antennas for collision avoidance and weather tracking.

  3. Materials: Marine antennas are constructed using materials that can withstand the harsh marine environment, including saltwater exposure, extreme temperatures, and UV radiation. They are typically made of corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel or fiberglass.

  4. Mounting: Marine antennas can be mounted in various ways, depending on the vessel's size and configuration. They can be attached to the mast, the hull, or specialized mounts designed for specific applications.

  5. Frequency Bands: Different marine communication and navigation systems operate on various frequency bands. Marine antennas are designed to be tuned to the appropriate frequency range to ensure optimal performance.

  6. Weather Resistance: Marine antennas are built to endure adverse weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, and salt spray. Their durability is crucial for maintaining reliable communication and navigation capabilities.

  7. Installation: Proper installation is essential for the performance of marine antennas. They should be installed in a location that minimizes interference and maximizes signal reception. Additionally, the coaxial cables used should be of high quality to minimize signal loss.

  8. Maintenance: Regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that marine antennas continue to function correctly. This includes inspecting for physical damage, cleaning connections, and checking for water ingress.

  9. Legal Compliance: Some marine communication systems, such as VHF radios, require licensing and adherence to specific regulations. Ensure that your marine antenna and communication equipment comply with local and international regulations.

  10. Compatibility: When selecting a marine antenna, it's essential to ensure compatibility with your vessel's communication and navigation equipment. Matching the antenna to the radio or GPS system's specifications is crucial for optimal performance.

In summary, generic marine antennas are vital components of maritime communication and navigation systems. They are built to withstand the challenging conditions of the open sea and are available in various types to support different functions. Proper installation, maintenance, and compliance with regulations are essential to ensure their reliability and effectiveness.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best generic marine antennas on the market
  

Shakespeare 5104 4' Centennial VHF Antenna

Shakespeare

Based on 515 reviews Check latest price

Product description

4' Centennial VHF Antenna, Shakespeare Model 5104, 3 dB gain, white hi-gloss fiberglass w/chrome 1"-14 ferrule, 15' RG-58, and PL-259.

  • VHF Antenna
  • 4' length
  • 3dB gain
  • 1"-14 threaded mount

User questions & answers

Question: what is the length of the cable
Answer: I just unpacked my Shakespeare 5104 (4 foot) antenna. The cable measured exactly 15 ft. 8 inches from the base of the antenna.
Question: What is the range of the antenna
Answer: The range of this antenna is the full vhf marine band...156-158 MHz. Plus marine wx. 162 MHz.
Question: Please list the maximum receiving distance of this antenna
Answer: Your transmit and receive ranges will vary according to the height above the water that you mount your antenna, and the height of the receiving antenna. VHF is line of sight transmit & receive, so for boat to boat probably about 3-5 miles unless one of the boats has a very tall antenna, then it would be further.
Question: Can I mount this antenna to my mast
Answer: Earl, I would buy the TRAM 1600-HC 35 antenna or similar model. The 5104 screws on to a base that may be difficult to mount on a mast.

Product features

Shakespeare 5104 4' Centennial VHF Antenna

Four-foot, 3dB antenna with a great selection of high-end features. Brass and copper elements for performance, plus a smooth, high-gloss, polyurethane finish that won’t turn yellow in the sun. Superb value, and excellent performance in a great looking antenna.

Tram 1607-HC 46-Inch VHF Marine Antenna

Tram

Based on 787 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Covers all marine band frequencies 3 DBD gain heavy duty fiberglass construction complete with nylon ratchet mount for easy lay down stainless steel hardware 20ft rg-58 cable easy screw off pl-259 connector for small hole installation

  • Covers All Marine Band Frequencies
  • 3 DBD Gain
  • Heavy Duty Fiberglass Construction
  • Complete With Nylon Ratchet Mount For Easy Lay Down
  • Stainless Steel Hardware

User questions & answers

Question: Will this work with a uniden um380bk
Answer: Yes it will.
Question: Does it work as FM antenna with the combination adapter
Answer: Yes you can buy a splitter for your FM reception needs
Question: why does this antenna require a battery
Answer: It does not require a battery. The description is wrong.
Question: Can this antenna be used on a gmrs radio
Answer: I am amateur radio operator N8VJM. I use antennas like this one and its "Big Brother" the 8' (co-phase) version. They tune up well enough to be used on 2 m (144-148 MHz Amateur Radio Band) a-well-as on 70 cm (420–450 MHz Amateur Radio Band). I run up to 50 watts without damaging the finals in my transceivers and more power with external amplifiers. GMRS and FRS have many channels at power levels of 5 w and lower, but some are as high as 50 w. Don't be fooled by thinking that SWR readings are an accurate measure of how useful an antenna and transmission line system are. The gain you achieve with a 46" antenna (in this case) should far outweigh the losses of the mismatch (as shown by higher-than-normal SWR) versus a 6.3" plain whip intended for GMRS/FRS use. I don't gamble, but I would be willing to bet money that people in-the-know (experienced radio operators, techs, and engineers) are using similar antennas successfully. The seller cannot recommend that you try using this antenna OOB (out-of-band) because they would then be liable if it didn't work well for you or damaged your equipment. You might even try a split ferrite bead about 6 or 7 inches down the coax from the antenna. It should serve to lower your SWR to protect your finals and may even improve performance. Bottom line, this is a $40-something antenna. I think you can probably shell out that much for an experiment. Worse case scenario, sell it on eBay for just about what you paid for it (if it doesn't work well for you).

Shakespeare 5215 VHF 36-Inch Low-Profile Stainless Steel Antenna

Shakespeare

Based on 173 reviews Check latest price

Product description

3' VHF Marine Band 3dB Gain 1 Piece Squatty Body Antenna, Shakespeare Model 5215, White, includes 1 piece stainless antenna, L bracket w/retaining nut & SO-239 connector (coax sold separately).

  • VHF Antenna
  • 3' length
  • 3dB gain
  • Mast mount
  • SHAKESPEARE VHF 3FT 5215 3DB
  • A stainless steel “L” bracket (supplied) is recommended for mounting
  • 5215 has an SO-239 connector on the bottom
  • Shakespeare limited warranty: 2 years

User questions & answers

Question: Can this antenna be mounted to the Firestick molded fender mount
Answer: It does contain Stevia and has a slight Stevia taste. I wouldn’t say it is a strong taste, and I’m very sensitive to the taste of sweeteners.
Question: Does the antenna unscrew from base? Be nice if it was removable with out having to remove bracket for boat storage with top down
Answer: Yes, this is a very relaxing brew. Enjoy.
Question: Does this item come with any length of cable for attaching to the radio
Answer: I received 1 box, which had 16 tea box. They shipped Detox, supports liver and kidney per description, not Skin Detox in image.
Question: what connector do you need to connect this to coaxial cable
Answer: It means there are 3 boxes of 16 tea bags; therefore, there’s a total of 48 tea bags.
Question: can i use it for both my vhf and am/fm radio can i split it or do i need separate antennas and will this one work on am/fm
Answer: Dear Customer,We sell products on amazon site as single quantity and not in bulk. The price is for one box of 16 tea bags. thank you for bringing this to our attention and we have forwarded this to our IT Personnel for corrective action. Thank you and have a great day.DrVita Customer Service
Question: Is the PL-259 already connected or do I have to splice it onto the cable
Answer: No sugar at all.!
Question: What is the range on this antenna
Answer: Yes, caffeine free
Question: Does this antenna have the comnector on the bottom. Becuase my mount has the wire intergrated in it. Thanks
Answer: It takes one HDMI input, and turns it in to four identical HDMI outputs. It is a rock-solid unit that works flawlessly. If your laptop has an HDMI output for connecting an external screen this should work perfectly. You can have up to four HDMI monitors or TV's all showing exactly what you see on the laptop screen (once you enable the external screen using e.g. Windows display management or the appropriate function key). Or if you "extend" your display, telling the laptop you want to spread your windows across two screens, then what the laptop thinks should be on the second screen will be duplicated on your (up to) four monitors ... the four will all be identical.

Shakespeare 5101 Centennial White 8' VHF Marine Antenna

Shakespeare

Based on 740 reviews Check latest price
  • Equipment for anglers of all ages and experience
  • Made to be reliable and durable
  • Tested to be easy to use and high quality
  • Brass and copper elements
  • Chrome-plated brass ferrule with standard 1 inch to 14 thread
  • Includes 15' RG-58 cable and a PL-259 connector
  • Suggested mount styles 4187, 4188-S, or 4190 ratchet mounts

User questions & answers

Question: Will this directly replace my broken 5206 C
Answer: This will work with almost any VHF Marine Radio. You will need to know how to follow directions when shortening cable, if necessary, or attaching the terminal fitting. Should be no problem instructions available.
Question: Is the PL-259 connector attached, or separate (solder or crimp?) to allow for easy cable routing
Answer: Separate. Why would you want the connector attached? That would require a huge hole to pass-through. The instructions are clear and installing the connector is easy.BTW, I have a 23' runabout and the 8 ft mast is overkill, the 4' would have been just fine.
Question: Can I get a mount that doesn't have the swivel .i mean just fixed straight up ,on a flat surface
Answer: Yes. The antenna doesn't come with the mount. It is a standard attachment, so it should attach to most antenna mounts. Here is one on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Style-Marine-Mount-Antenna-Radar/dp/B000S5VBG4/ref=sr_1_2?s=boating-water-sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1404392614&sr=1-2&keywords=marine+antenna+mount
Question: Is this antenna telescoping? It looks like it is, but just cannot tell for sure
Answer: No it is one piece. It is just a horrible picture that makes it look like it is telescoping. It is smooth and straight. I get great reception with it.

Shakespeare 5420-XT Galaxy Little Giant AM/FM Antenna , White , 4 foot

Shakespeare

Based on 20 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Bring in those stations! This Little Giant is in charge of the entertainment. Its sturdy construction and outstanding performance make it an excellent choice for T-tops, Hard-tops and other elevated mounting positions. Extra rigid, extra tough.

  • Solid performance packed into an extra heavy-duty radome
  • Includes 12' RG-62 cable with Motorola type plug installed
  • Suggested mount: Shakespeare Style 4187, 5187 (each sold separately)
  • 4’ (1.2m) AM/FM Entertainment Band
  • Frequency: AM, FM, and FM-stereo

User questions & answers

Question: will it work as a cbantenna
Answer: Honey flavor can be from the plant and not honey as in beehives honey . Any flavor can be diluted or made from other sources . I would stick to another brand called traditional medicinals which is just lavender if you're not able to have honey or don't enjoy it . Lavender and honey is good but vanilla mixed with lavender is not .
Question: Well this screw into a normal base
Answer: These other two answers are incorrect. I just ordered and received this yesterday and it is 1 box of tea! 1 box for $8.59, nice try. I'm returning it.
Question: Does anyone know of a compatible spring mount? i want to use this on my truck. these threads don't match any cb type springs i find
Answer: No. It won't make you tired, just quite relaxed.
Question: Can this be installed on a pole on top of my roof? I have a remote log cabin with a tin roof need an am/fm antenna
Answer: Thank you for your question! All Yogi teas, including Kava Stress Relief, contain less than one calorie per tea bag and less than 1/2 gram of carbohydrates per tea bag. Hope this helps!

Jensen JAN139 6" Heavy-Duty Universal Top/Side-Mount Rubber Mast Antenna

Jensen

Based on 374 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Attached 39" cable 6" rubber mast top/side-mount antenna rubber gasket for watertight mounting JENSEN 6" heavy-duty universal top/side-mount rubber mast antenna JAN139 ="antenna 6" universal".

  • Attached 39" cable
  • 6" rubber mast top/side-mount antenna
  • Rubber gasket for watertight mounting
  • Withstands tough environments with its heavy-duty design
  • Antenna angles 45 degree maximum

User questions & answers

Question: why is this 2 times the price as buying from Jensen
Answer: It should fit. It plugs into the antenna hole on the stereo. Also good quality item.
Question: What is the size of the base where it goes into the car
Answer: Don't know, I ordered it for a friend
Question: How is the reception
Answer: I used it on a boat. Works great.
Question: I have a pontoon boat with a stand alone fiberglass console and was in need of a small side mountable antenna. Will this work for that application
Answer: I believe it was 1/2 inch....keep in mind this was installed on a custom golf cart completely under the hood area....hope this helps it is a very nice antenna

Tram VHF Marine Antenna

Tram

Based on 468 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Tram-browning Offers quality workmanship and materials. Their products provide exceptional performance and function thanks to expert engineering. They are proud to offer the vhf marine antenna.

  • Country Of Origin : United States
  • The Package Height Of The Product Is 3.5 Inches
  • The Package Length Of The Product Is 37 Inches
  • The Package Width Of The Product Is 5.5 Inches

User questions & answers

Question: does this antenna come with coxial cable
Answer: Yes. The antenna comes with 15' of white RG58 coax cable.
Question: What type of mount comes with it, i have a pontoon and I'm looking to mount it on a side rail or bimini top rail
Answer: It is rail mount capable
Question: Does this work for am/fm boat stereo receiver
Answer: No, this antenna is designed to work in 156.650-157.425MHz range.
Question: What's the length of this antenna? I read 36 inches on product details
Answer: It can't be 6dB gain, that's not possible in 36 inch height, sorry :(. The reason is that at 36 inches it's just at 1/2 wavelength, and that makes it equal to a dipole, which is 2.14dB gain (over full spherical isotropic). But, at 36 inches tall it's a nice size to be able to put in locations that 8ft antennas won't fit, like maybe higher up thus getting it's 2.14dB gain up higher above the water. Actually, this antenna placed about 6ft above the water will work better than an 8ft antenna with a base closer to the water. Hope this helps.

Shakespeare 8' Galaxy Antenna Extender, 1.5"

Seawide Marine Distribution, Inc.

Based on 8 reviews Check latest price

Product description

8' x 1.5" OD Heavy Duty Galaxy Extension Mast, Shakespeare Model 5228, White, 95" long with 1" - 14 thread male upper and female lower stainless ferrules.

  • Extension Mast
  • 8' length product
  • 1"-14 threaded mount

Jensen 1181039 14" Top/Side Mount Rubber-Mast Antenna with Cable

Jensen

Based on 95 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Rubber gasket allows watertight seal angle adjustment up to 90 degree 14" tall antenna with attached 59" cable.

  • Rubber gasket allows watertight seal
  • Angle adjustment up to 90 degree
  • 14" tall antenna with attached 59" cable
  • For universal use or as replacement

User questions & answers

Question: My car has a grid antenna, no mount for antenna. Can I use this product
Answer: So VHF is line of sight so the higher the antenna the better range. This antenna comes with a smaller guage coax which I thought odd. Thus the old addage, you get what you pay for. I used it in the Bahamas and the Tx was good but the Rx was spotty. Spend a little more money and get the 8' XD. On the ocean it can save your life.
Question: could this replace a 94 chrysler busted off motorized antenna? where would it be installed? in the interior
Answer: No, it comes with a pl259 that you attach with solder.
Question: I'm trying to increase AM radio reception, will this work
Answer: Hi there: there's no indication as where the chamomile is from. I assume it's imported. Thanks
Question: would this be a could replacement for the std. antenna that comes on a pop up camper
Answer: I usually just use my keurig with hot water, the smallest size is about 8 oz. I believe.
Question: How long is the coax cable coming out of it
Answer: Yogi Honey Lavender Stress Relief is a naturally caffeine-free blend and does not contain any tea leaf (Camellia sinensis). To view a full list of its ingredients, visit https://www.yogiproducts.com/teas/rest-relax-teas/honey-lavender-stress-relief/ and click ‘Supplement Facts’ to the right of the carton image. Hope this helps!

Latest Reviews

View all